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Coates: Begovic will remain at Stoke

The 25-year-old Bosnia international's future has been the subject of plenty of speculation, with reports suggesting that the Potters will demand 12 million pounds for him from any prospective buyers.

However, Coates was quick to shut down such rumours, insisting that new manager Mark Hughes will be under no pressure to sell the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

"I believe Asmir will be here next season. You never know in football, but I believe that will be the case," he told The Sentinel.

"We've got as good a goalkeeper as there is in the Premier League, better than anyone else I can think of and he will be in demand.

"If Manchester United and the clubs of that ilk, the top European clubs, come in for him and the money is good and we are satisfied, we would do it."

Begovic has been linked with a move to Liverpool as a potential replacement for Pepe Reina, although Sunderland's Simon Mignolet is believed to be their main target.

Begovic is under contract at Stoke for two more years, while his rival keeper at the club, Thomas Sorensen, has a year left on his deal.

The club have also signed 20-year-old Jack Butland, who has represented England at Under-21 level, and was in high demand from a number of clubs before heading to the Britannia Stadium from Birmingham in January.

"If Asmir stays as we would expect we would try to get Jack to a Premier or Championship club on loan to build up his experience," Coates added.

"We believe we've got another good young keeper waiting in the wings."